I know I’ve been talking about the importance of the November 5 election for several months, and now election season is actually upon us. Some voters like to vote on Election Day. They like the energy and promise of the actual day at the polls. Others, however, know they might be too busy on the first Tuesday in November and therefore choose to vote early. I am one of those people.
I am usually a little busy on Election Day, giving interviews and analyzing how I think swing states might behave, based on everything from last-minute attack ads to the weather. I’m incredibly busy the day after the election, even if we don’t have exact results. However, when it comes to exercising my civic duty, I like to vote as early as I can so my spirit can relax just a bit, knowing I have made my ancestors proud.
When I go to the polls, I tend to think of my grandparents and ancestors, who did not have the full franchise. I think of the dangers my grandparents and so many other Black people faced in just trying to exercise their right to vote. Black people faced not just physical violence and threats — so many also faced loss of employment merely for exercising their right to vote.
I recently completed a manuscript that will come out in a few months, “How to Build a Democracy: From Fannie Lou Hamer and Barbara Jordan to Stacey Abrams,” analyzing the bravery of these Black women in helping to create a stronger foundation for all people to participate in politics, especially at the ballot box.
Luckily for New Yorkers, we have resources to help us know where to find our polling site and to get a glimpse of our ballot before we head to vote. Early voting began on October 26 and extends to November 3. For some voters, their early voting polling site may differ from their site if they choose to vote on November 5, so it’s important to get accurate information before heading out.
There are also six ballot initiatives you should familiarize yourself with before seeing these wordy descriptions on your New York ballot. By reviewing them early, you will have the opportunity to talk to friends about how you’d like to vote, or have them answer any questions you may have. I know I’m voting Yes on the first initiative and No on initiatives 2–6, but that’s just me. Do your own research so you can be informed about what is best for you.
If you’d like a preview of your ballot before voting, go to http://whosontheballot.org/ to see your actual ballot, get your polling station, and preview the ballot initiatives. For most of us, there are several additional elected positions for you to vote on. An informed voter is what we need this election.
Christina Greer, Ph.D., is an associate professor at Fordham University; author of “Black Ethnics: Race, Immigration, and the Pursuit of the American Dream”; and co-host of the podcast FAQ-NYC.